Journey To G – An Ontario Driver's Guide To Becoming Fully Licensed

How to get your G1 license in Ontario

In Ontario, to get your G1 license, or learner’s permit, you’ll need to pass a vision test, pass a knowledge test, and pay a fee. Of course, you’ll also need to be at least 16 years old.

You can complete your vision test and knowledge test at any DriveTest centre in Ontario. Recently, because of a high volume of test-takers, Ontario offers an online booking system to take the test, so book your appointment ahead of time to confirm a slot. You’ll be able to complete both vision and knowledge tests together, and if you fail the first time, you can also retake them on the same day. When I took my G1 test, I was nervous at first, but preparing myself with the details in advance gave me a lot more confidence going in.

At the testing centre, you’ll be asked to show a form of identification. The ID must include your:

• Full name
• Signature
• Picture
• Date of birth

You can also show multiple IDs if you don’t have one that checks off all the requirements. Ontario has a list of accepted IDs for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents.

Taking the G1 knowledge test in Ontario

The knowledge test comes in two separate parts: road rules and road signs. Each section has 20 questions (totaling 40) and you need to get at least 16 questions on each section correct to pass. But it doesn’t mean you pass with a score of 32/40. If you answer all your road sign questions correctly but get 5 questions incorrect on the road rules section, you would have to retake that one section again.

Studying for the G1 knowledge test

All answers to the knowledge test can be found in the MTO Driver’s Handbook, so studying that would be your best bet on succeeding. I also made use of the G1 testing app on my phone and the Ontario G1 Practice Test online as a method of active studying, instead of just passively reading the handbook. Many of the questions that show up on your knowledge test actually overlap with the ones on the app and website.

How much does the G1 test cost?

The vision test and knowledge test are combined into a one-time flat fee of $159.75. If you don’t meet the requirements of the vision test, you probably just need glasses or contacts. The examiner will give you a form to take to a vision specialist, and once you’re ready, you can go back to the testing centre and try again. If you need to retake your knowledge test, it’ll cost an additional $16 each time you retry it.

G1 driving rules and restrictions in Ontario

After you pass your tests, you can start driving in Ontario so long as you have the supervision of an experienced driver. You won’t be able to start racing on the 401 however, as there are a few restrictions to your learner’s permit:

• You must be accompanied by a G class driver with at least 4 years of fully licensed experience
• You must have a blood alcohol level and THC of zero
• You can’t drive on 400-series highways and high-speed expressways unless you’re accompanied by a certified driving instructor
• You can’t drive between midnight and 5 AM
• All passengers must wear a seatbelt

Know that the fully licensed driver must sit in the passenger seat beside you, and their blood alcohol level can’t be over 0.5. If they’re 21 or younger, they can’t have their blood alcohol level over zero or any cannabis in their system.

Do you need auto insurance as a G1 driver in Ontario?

As a G1 driver, you’ll be driving someone else’s car since you can’t be listed as a primary driver for an auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies won’t require parents to add their kids to their policy because a licensed adult is required to supervise anyways. The car owner’s insurance should cover you as a G1 driver, but some insurance companies will raise their premiums due to the higher risk of a new driver. Regardless, inform your insurer about the situation to ensure everyone is on the same page. In my situation, my parents are not adding me to their insurance policy just yet as I’ll be mostly practicing with my instructor’s car.